Power management method, local control apparatus and power management system

ABSTRACT

A power management method comprises: a step A of transmitting a first message from a power management server to a local control apparatus according to a first protocol, the power management server managing a facility connected to a power grid, the local control apparatus provided in the facility; a step B of transmitting a second message from the local control apparatus to the equipment according to a second protocol different from the first protocol; and a step C of transmitting a third message from the local control apparatus to the power management server according to the first protocol, the third message including specification information specifying a local control element which the equipment is capable of dealing with according to the second protocol. The specification information includes information specifying whether or not the equipment deals with a local control element indicating an operation state requesting setting for the equipment.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a power management method, a localcontrol apparatus and a power management system.

BACKGROUND ART

In recent years, in order to maintain a power supply and demand balanceof a power grid, a technique for suppressing a power flow amount fromthe power grid to a facility or a reverse power flow amount from thefacility to the power grid is known (for example, Patent Literatures 1and 2). In addition, a system (hereinafter, referred to as Virtual PowerPlant (VPP)) using distributed power supplies provided in a plurality offacilities as a power supply for supplying electric power to the powergrid has attracted attention.

CITATION LIST Patent Literature

Patent Literature 1: Japanese Application publication No. 2013-169104

Patent Literature 2: Japanese Application publication No. 2014-128107

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

A power management method according to a first aspect comprises: a stepA of transmitting a first message from a power management server to alocal control apparatus according to a first protocol, the powermanagement server managing a facility connected to a power grid, thelocal control apparatus provided in the facility; a step B oftransmitting a second message from the local control apparatus to theequipment according to a second protocol different from the firstprotocol; and a step C of transmitting a third message from the localcontrol apparatus to the power management server according to the firstprotocol, the third message including specification informationspecifying a local control element which the equipment is capable ofdealing with according to the second protocol. The specificationinformation includes information specifying whether or not the equipmentdeals with a local control element indicating an operation staterequesting setting for the equipment.

A local control apparatus according to a second aspect comprises: areceiver configured to receive a first message from a power managementserver according to a first protocol, the power management servermanaging a facility connected to a power grid; and a transmitterconfigured to transmit a second message to an equipment according to asecond protocol different from the first protocol, the equipmentprovided in the facility. The transmitter is configured to transmit athird message to the power management server according to the firstprotocol, the third message including specification informationspecifying a local control element which the equipment is capable ofdealing with according to the second protocol. The specificationinformation includes information specifying whether or not the equipmentdeals with a local control element indicating an operation staterequesting setting for the equipment.

A power management system according to a third aspect comprises: a powermanagement server configured to manage a facility connected to a powergrid; and a local control apparatus provided in the facility. The powermanagement server includes a first transmitter configured to transmit afirst message to the local control apparatus according to a firstprotocol. The local control apparatus includes a second transmitterconfigured to transmit a second message to an equipment provided in thefacility according to a second protocol different from the firstprotocol. The second transmitted is configured to transmit a thirdmessage to the power management server according to the first protocol,the third message including specification information specifying a localcontrol element which the equipment is capable of dealing with accordingto the second protocol. The specification information includesinformation specifying whether or not the equipment deals with a localcontrol element indicating an operation state requesting setting for theequipment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a power management system 100 accordingto an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a power management server 200 accordingto an embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a local control apparatus 330 accordingto an embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a first protocolaccording to an embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a first protocolaccording to an embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a second protocolaccording to an embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a second protocolaccording to an embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a second protocolaccording to an embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a second protocolaccording to an embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a second protocolaccording to an embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a correspondencerelationship between a first protocol and a second protocol according toan embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a power management method according toan embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a power management method according toan embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a power management method according toa first modification.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a power management method according toa second modification.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a power management method according toa third modification.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

In the VPP, a power management server transmits a first message to alocal control apparatus according to a first protocol, and the localcontrol apparatus transmits a second message to an equipment accordingto a second protocol different from the first protocol. In such a case,various studies are needed to properly manage a power flow amount or areverse power flow amount of a power grid.

A power management method, a local control apparatus and a powermanagement system of an embodiment can appropriately manage a power flowamount or a reverse power flow amount of a power grid.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to thedrawings. In the following description of the drawings, the same orsimilar reference numerals are attached to the same or similar parts.

However, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic and ratiosof dimensions and the like may be different from actual ones in somecases. Therefore, concrete dimensions and the like should be determinedwith reference to the following explanation. In addition, it is a matterof course that the drawings also include parts having differentdimensional relationships or ratios between the drawings.

Embodiment (Power Management System)

Hereinafter, a power management system according to an embodiment willbe described.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, a power management system 100 includes a powermanagement server 200 and a facility 300. In FIG. 1, facilities 300 A to300 C are exemplified as the facility 300.

Each facility 300 is connected to a power grid 110. Hereinafter, a flowof electric power from a power grid 110 to the facility 300 is referredto as a power flow, and a flow of electric power from the facility 300to the power grid 110 is referred to as a reverse power flow.

The power management server 200 and the facility 300 are connected to anetwork 120. The network 120 may provide a line between a powermanagement server 200 and a facility 300. The network 120 is, forexample, the Internet. The network 120 may provide a dedicated line suchas a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

The power management server 200 is a server managed by a business entitysuch as a power generation company, a transmission and distributioncompany or a retailer.

The power management server 200 instructs a local control apparatus 330provided in the facility 300 to control an equipment (a load 310 ordistributed power supply 320) provided in the facility 300. The controlinstruction for the equipment may be an instruction to request reportingof information on the equipment or an instruction requesting setting ofan operation state of the equipment.

The instruction to request reporting of information on the equipment isperformed by designating an information element indicating informationon one or more equipments requested to reporting to the power managementserver 200. Such an information element include, for example, an amountof used electric power (Wh) of one or more loads 310, a history of theamount of used electric power (Wh) of one or more loads 310, a generatedpower (W) of the distributed power supply 320, a residual charge amount(Wh) of a storage battery, which is an example of the distributed powersupply 320, charge/discharge electric power (W) of the storage battery,an amount of charge/discharge electric power (Wh) of the storagebattery, a history of the amount of charge/discharge electric power (Wh)of the storage battery, chargeable and dischargeable amount (Wh) of thestorage battery, a suppressible amount of a power flow amount (W), asuppressible amount of a reverse power flow amount (W), life-and-deathinformation indicating whether or not the equipment is operating, anoperating state of a Power Conditioning System (PCS) constituting thedistributed power supply 320, and the like.

An instruction to request setting of the operation state of theequipment is performed by specifying an information element indicatingthe operation states of one or more equipments requested to set theequipment. Such an information element is constituted by anincrease/decrease amount (Wh) of used electric power of the one or moreloads 310, an increase/decrease amount (Wh) of the generated power ofthe distributed power supply 320, an increase/decrease amount (Wh) ofthe discharge power of the storage battery, and an increase/decreaseamount (Wh) of the charge power of the storage battery.

Further, the power management server 200 may transmit a power flowcontrol message (for example, Demand Response (DR)) requesting thecontrol of the power flow as an instruction to request setting of theoperation state of the equipment or may transmit a reverse power flowcontrol message requesting the control of a reverse power flow. Further,the power management server 200 may transmit a power control message forcontrolling the operation state of the distributed power supply 320 asan instruction to request setting of the operation state of theequipment. A degree of control of the power flow or reverse power flowmay be expressed as an absolute value (for example, ◯◯ kW) or may beexpressed as a relative value (for example, ◯◯%). Alternatively, thedegree of control of the power flow or the reverse power flow may berepresented by two or more levels. The degree of control of the powerflow or the reverse power flow may be represented by a power charge(RTP; Real Time Pricing) determined by a present power supply and demandbalance and may be expressed by a power charge (TOU; Time Of Use)determined by the past power supply and demand balance.

The facility 300 has the load 310, the distributed power supply 320 anda local control apparatus 330. The load 310 is an equipment thatconsumes electric power. The load 310 may be, for example, an airconditioner or a lighting equipment. The distributed power supply 320 isthe equipment having at least one of a function of outputting electricpower and a function of accumulating the electric power. The distributedpower supply 320 may be, for example, a solar cell, a fuel cell, or astorage battery. The distributed power supply 320 may be a power supplyused for Virtual Power Plant (VPP). The local control apparatus 330 isan equipment (EMS; Energy Management System) that manages the power ofthe facility 300. The local control apparatus 330 may control theoperation state of the load 310 and may control the operation state ofthe distributed power supply 320 provided in the facility 300.

In an embodiment, communication between the power management server 200and the local control apparatus 330 is performed according to the firstprotocol. On the other hand, communication between the local controlapparatus 330 and the equipment (the load 310 or the distributed powersupply 320) is performed according to a second protocol different fromthe first protocol. As the first protocol, for example, a protocolconforming to Open Automated Demand Response (ADR) or an independentdedicated protocol may be used. As the second protocol, for example, aprotocol conforming to ECHONET Lite, Smart Energy Profile (SEP) 2.0,KNX, or an independent dedicated protocol may be used. Incidentally, thefirst protocol and the second protocol may be different from each other,for example, both the protocols may be made with different rules even ifthey are independent dedicated protocols.

(Power Management Server)

Hereinafter, the power management server according to the embodimentwill be described. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the power management server200 includes a management unit 210, a communication unit 220, and acontroller 230. The power management server 200 is an example of aVirtual Top Node (VTN).

The management unit 210 is configured with a storage medium such as anonvolatile memory and/or an HDD, and manages data on the facility 300.The data on the facility 300 is, for example, a type of the equipment(the load 310 or the distributed power supply 320) provided in thefacility 300, a specification of the equipment (the load 310 or thedistributed power supply 320) provided in the facility 300, and thelike. The specification may be a rated power consumption of the load310, a rated output power of the distributed power supply 320, or thelike.

The communication unit 220 is constituted by a communication module andcommunicates with the local control apparatus 330 via the network 120.As described above, the communication unit 220 performs communicationaccording to the first protocol. For example, the communication unit 220transmits a first message to the local control apparatus 330 accordingto the first protocol. The communication unit 220 receives a firstmessage response from the local control apparatus 330 according to thefirst protocol.

The controller 230 is constituted by a memory, a CPU, and the like, andcontrols each component provided in the power management server 200. Forexample, the controller 230 instructs the local control apparatus 330provided in the facility 300 to control the equipment (the load 310 orthe distributed power supply 320) provided in the facility 300.

(Local Control Apparatus)

Hereinafter, the local control apparatus according to the embodimentwill be described. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the local control apparatus330 includes a first communication unit 331, a second communication unit332, and a controller 333. The local control apparatus 330 is an exampleof Virtual End Node (VEN).

The first communication unit 331 is configured by a communicationmodule, and communicates with the power management server 200 via thenetwork 120. As described above, the first communication unit 331performs communication according to the first protocol. For example, thefirst communication unit 331 receives the first message from the powermanagement server 200 according to the first protocol. The firstcommunication unit 331 transmits the first message response to the powermanagement server 200 according to the first protocol.

The second communication unit 332 is constituted by a communicationmodule and communicates with the equipment (the load 310 or thedistributed power supply 320). As described above, the secondcommunication unit 332 performs communication according to the secondprotocol. For example, the second communication unit 332 transmits thesecond message to the equipment according to the second protocol. Thesecond communication unit 332 receives the second message response fromthe equipment according to the second protocol.

The controller 333 includes a memory, a CPU, and the like, and controlseach component provided in the local control apparatus 330.Specifically, in order to manage the power of the facility 300, thecontroller 333 instructs the equipment to report the information on theequipment by transmitting the second message and receiving the secondmessage response. In order to control the power of the facility 300, thecontroller 333 instructs the equipment to set the operation state of theequipment by transmitting the second message.

In the embodiment, the controller 333 instructs the second communicationunit 332 to transmit the second message including an information elementof the second protocol corresponding to an information element of thefirst protocol, which corresponds to control content for the equipmentinstructed by the first message.

(1) A Case where the Control Content for the Equipment Instructed by theFirst Message is the Report of the Information on the Equipment

In such a case, it is necessary to transmit a first message responseincluding an information element complied with the first protocol to thepower management server 200. Therefore, the controller 333 converts theinformation element included in the second message response into theinformation element complied with the first protocol. The conversion ofthe information element may be automatically performed by the localcontrol apparatus 330 or may be performed through user's operation andapproval. The controller 333 instructs the first communication unit 331to transmit the first message response including the convertedinformation element.

Here, the transmission of the second message and the reception of thesecond message response may be performed before receiving the firstmessage. In such a case, the controller 333 instructs the firstcommunication unit 331 to transmit the first message response on thebasis of the information on the equipment managed by the controller 333before receiving the first message. The information on the equipmentmanaged by the controller 333 is information on the equipment obtainedby the information element included in the second message responsereceived from the equipment before receiving the first message.

Alternatively, the transmission of the second message and the receptionof the second message response may be performed after receiving thefirst message. In such a case, the controller 333 selects an informationelement complied with the second protocol on the basis of theinformation element designated by the first message. The controller 333instructs the second communication unit 332 to transmit the secondmessage including the selected information element. The controller 333instructs the first communication unit 331 to transmit the first messageresponse on the basis of the information on the equipment managed by thecontroller 333 after receiving the second message response. Theinformation on the equipment managed by the controller 333 is theinformation on the equipment obtained by the information elementincluded in the second message response received from the equipmentafter receiving the first message.

Further, it is assumed that an information element complied with thefirst protocol does not correspond to an information element included inthe second message response on a one-to-one basis. For example, a casewhere a unit of the information element complied with the first protocolis different from a unit of the information element included in thesecond message response may be considered. Alternatively, it isconceivable that an information element conforming to the first protocolcan be expressed only by two or more information elements included inthe second message response. In such a case, the controller 333calculates an information element complied with the first protocol onthe basis of the information element included in the second messageresponse. For example, the controller 333 may calculate the informationelement represented by AC power on the basis of information elementsrepresented by DC power. The controller 333 may calculate an informationelement represented by the electric power amount per unit time on thebasis of the information element represented by the instantaneous power.The controller 333 may calculate one information element on the basis oftwo or more information elements.

(2) A Case where the Control Content for the Equipment Instructed by theFirst Message is the Setting of the Operation State of the Equipment

In such a case, the local control apparatus 330 selects one or moreinformation elements corresponding to the information elements specifiedby the first message from the information elements which the equipmentis capable of dealing with in accordance with the second protocol. Thelocal control apparatus 330 transmits a message including the selectedinformation element to the equipment as a second message.

(Example of First Protocol)

An example of the first protocol according to the embodiment will bedescribed below. Here, a case where the first protocol is a protocolconforming to Open ADR 2.0 is exemplified.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, a reporting function of the information on theequipment is defined by “Report name,” “Report type,” “Reading type,”and the like.

“Report name” is information indicating a name of the reporting. “Reportname” is, for example, “HISTORY_USAGE,” “TELEMETRY_USAGE,” and“TELEMETRY_STATUS,” and the like. “HISTORY_USAGE” means a report onmeasurement data (for example, used electric power, generated electricpower or the like) of the equipment in the past. “TELEMETRY_USAGE” meansa report on measurement data (for example, used electric power,generated electric power or the like) of the equipment in the presenttime. “TELEMETRY_STATUS” means a report on the operation state of theequipment in the present time.

“Report type” is information indicating a type of the report. “Reporttype” is, for example, “reading,” “usage,” “demand,” “storedEnergy,”“availableEnergyStorage,” “x-resourceStatus,” and the like. Theinformation “reading” means a report on a measurement value of a meterprovided in the facility 300. The information “usage” means a report onthe amount of power used over a certain period of time. The information“demand” means a report on demand for electric power over a certainperiod of time. The information “storedEnergy” means a report on astorage amount of the storage battery in the present time. Theinformation “availableEnergyStorage” means a report on a storageableamount of the storage battery in the present time. The information“x-resourceStatus” means a report on the user-definable informationelement (operating state of the equipment).

“Reading type” is information indicating a reporting method. “Readingtype” is, for example, “Direct read,” “Mean,” “Projected,”“x-notAplicable,” and the like. “Direct read” means a report on ameasurement value obtained directly from the equipment. “Mean” means areport on an average value of the measured values over a certain periodof time. “Projected” means a report on a predicted value in the future.The information “x-notAplicable” means a report on user-definableinformation elements.

Here, a list of reporting functions which the local control apparatus330 is capable of dealing with is included in, for example, a message(for example, oadrRegisterReport) transmitted from the local controlapparatus 330 to the power management server 200. A first message (forexample, oadrRegisteredReport or oadrCreateReport) that requestsreporting of the information on the equipment is transmitted on thebasis of the list of reporting functions. Specifically, identificationinformation (report specifier ID) is allocated to the report functionwhich the local control apparatus 330 is capable of dealing with, andthe first message requesting the report of the information on theequipment includes such identification information.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the setting function of the operation state ofthe equipment is defined by “Event signal Name,” “Event signal Type,”and the like.

“Event signal Name” is information indicating a name of the setting.“Event signal Name” is, for example, “SIMPLE,” “ELECTRICITY_PRICE,”“CHARGE_STATE,” and the like.

“SIMPLE” means setting related to a level of the power flow amount orthe reverse power flow amount. “SIMPLE” is simply expressed, forexample, by numerical values such as “0,” “1,” “2,” and the like.“SIMPLE” is information for indirectly controlling the operation stateof the equipment according to the level of the power flow amount or thereverse power flow amount. “ELECTRICITY_PRICE” means a setting relatedto a power charge (power purchase charge or power sale charge).“ELECTRICITY_PRICE” is information for indirectly controlling theoperation state of the equipment by the power charge and adjusting thepower flow amount or the reverse power flow amount. “CHARGE_STATE” meanssetting relating to discharging or charging of the storage battery.“CHARGE_STATE” is information for specifying the setting of theoperation state of the storage battery.

“Event signal Type” is information indicating the type of setting.“Event signal Type” is, for example, “level,” “price,” “delta,”“multiplier” and the like. The information “level” means adjusting thepower flow amount or the reverse power flow amount by designating alevel of the amount. The information “price” means adjusting the powerflow amount or the reverse power flow amount according to thedesignation of the power charge. The information “delta” means adjustingthe power flow amount or the reverse power flow amount by specifying anabsolute value of a variation amount of the operation state (consumedpower, generated power, discharged power, stored power, and the like) ofthe equipment. The information “multiplier” means adjusting the powerflow amount or the reverse power flow amount by specifying a relativevalue of the variation amount of the operation state (consumed power,generated power, discharged power, stored power, and the like) of theequipment.

The first message (for example, oadrDistributeEvent) requesting settingof the operation state of the equipment includes information indicating“Event signal Name,” “Event signal Type”, and the like.

(Example of Second Protocol)

Hereinafter, an example of the second protocol according to theembodiment will be described. Here, a case where the second protocol isa protocol conforming to ECHONET Lite will be exemplified.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the second message (hereinafter referred to asSET command M510) requesting setting of the operation state of theequipment includes a header M511, a code M512, and a target propertyM513. In the embodiment, the SET command M510 is an example of a settingcommand that instructs each equipment to perform setting or operation ofthe equipment, and is a command transmitted from the EMS 160 to theequipment. The header M511 is information indicating a destination andthe like of the SET command M510. The code M512 is informationindicating a type of the message including the code M512. Here, the codeM512 is information indicating that the message including the code M512is a SET command. The target property M513 includes an informationelement (property) indicating the setting or the operation that the EMS160 instructs the equipment to perform.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the second message response (hereinafter, SETresponse command M520) to the second message includes a header M521, acode M522, and a response content M523. In the embodiment, the SETresponse command M520 is an example of a command transmitted from theequipment to the EMS 160 in response to a command received from the EMS160.

The header M521 is information indicating a destination and the like ofthe SET response command M520. The code M522 is information indicating atype of the message including the code M522. Here, the code M522 isinformation indicating that the message including the code M522 is a SETresponse command. The response content M523 includes informationindicating that the SET command has been received. Such information maybe a copy of a property included in the SET command or an acknowledgment(ACK). Further, such information is not limited thereto, and may be aresponse (Selective ACK) intended to inform that only a part of data iscorrectly received.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, a second message (hereinafter, referred to asGET command M610) requesting a report of the information on theequipment includes a header M611, a code M612, and a target propertyM613. In the embodiment, the GET command M610 is an example of a requestcommand for requesting a report of the information on the equipment foreach equipment, and is an example of a command transmitted from theEMS160 to the equipment. The header M611 is information indicating adestination and the like of the GET command M610. The code M612 isinformation indicating a type of the message including the code M612.Here, the code M612 is information indicating that the message includingthe code M612 is a GET command. The target property M613 includes aninformation element (property) whose report is requested by the EMS 160.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, the second message response to the secondmessage (hereinafter, GET response command M620) includes a header M621,a code M622, and a response content M623. In the embodiment, the GETresponse command M620 is an example of a command transmitted from theequipment to the EMS 160 in response to a command received from the EMS160.

The header M621 is information indicating a destination and the like ofthe GET response command M620. The code M622 is information indicating atype of the message including the code M622. Here, the code M622 isinformation indicating that the message including the code M622 is a GETresponse command. The response content M623 includes the informationelement (property) requested by the GET command.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, the INF command M710 includes a header M711,a code M712, and a target property M713. In the embodiment, the INFcommand M710 is an example of an information notification commandautonomously notifying the information on the equipment from eachequipment, and is an example of a command transmitted from eachequipment to the EMS 160. The header M711 is information indicating adestination and the like of the INF command M710. The code M712 isinformation indicating a type of the message including the code M712.Here, the code M712 is information indicating that the message includingthe code M712 is an INF command. The target property M713 includes aninformation element (property) autonomously notified from eachequipment.

Here, the information element (property) may be shared between commands.For example, in the case where the information element is the operationstate of the equipment, the SET command including the operation state asthe information element functions as a command instructing the equipmentto set the operation state. On the other hand, the GET command includingthe operation state as the information element functions as a commandrequesting a report of the operation state of the equipment.

As the information element (property), an information element used onlyfor the SET command (SET response command), an information elements usedonly for the GET command (GET response command), an information elementsused only for the INF command, and Information element used for two ormore commands selected from the SET command (SET response command), theGET command (GET response command) and the INF command are listed.

(Correspondence Between First Protocol and Second Protocol)

Hereinafter, a correspondence between the first protocol and the secondprotocol according to the embodiment will be described. Here, a storagebattery will be described as an example of the equipment.

As illustrated in FIG. 11, the information element defined in the firstprotocol may correspond to one or more information elements defined inthe second protocol. However, the equipment does not necessarily dealwith all of the information elements defined in the second protocol.

First, a dischargeable capacity defined in the first protocolcorresponds to an AC dischargeable capacity defined in the secondprotocol. However, in the case where the equipment cannot cope with theAC dischargeable capacity, the dischargeable capacity defined in thefirst protocol may only correspond to a residual DC storage amount and aDC rated capacity defined in the second protocol. As the case where theequipment cannot cope with the AC dischargeable capacity, a case wherethe information element corresponding to the AC dischargeable capacityis not defined in the second protocol or a case where the informationelement corresponding to the AC dischargeable capacity is defined as anoption in the second protocol but the equipment does not deal with theoption, is conceivable.

Therefore, the local control apparatus 330 calculates the dischargeablecapacity on the basis of the residual DC storage amount. Specifically,the local control apparatus 330 regards the residual DC storage amountas a DC dischargeable capacity and calculates the AC dischargeablecapacity on the basis of the DC dischargeable capacity.

Further, the local control apparatus 330 may calculate the ACdischargeable capacity on the basis of driving operation state (forexample, rapid charge, charge, discharge, standby, test, automation,restart, and the like). For example, the local control apparatus 330 maycalculate zero as the AC dischargeable capacity when the drivingoperation state is not the discharge.

Second, a chargeable capacity defined in the first protocol correspondsto an AC chargeable capacity defined in the second protocol. However, inthe case where the equipment cannot cope with the AC chargeablecapacity, the chargeable capacity defined in the first protocol may onlycorrespond to the residual DC storage amount and the DC rated capacitydefined in the second protocol.

Therefore, the local control apparatus 330 calculates the chargeablecapacity on the basis of the residual DC storage amount and the DC ratedcapacity. Specifically, the local control apparatus 330 calculates theDC chargeable capacity by subtracting the residual DC storage amountfrom the DC rated capacity, and calculates the AC chargeable capacity onthe basis of the DC chargeable capacity.

Further, the local control apparatus 330 may calculate the AC chargeablecapacity on the basis of the driving operation state (for example, rapidcharge, charge, discharge, standby, test, automation, restart, and thelike). For example, the local control apparatus 330 may calculate zeroas the AC chargeable capacity in the case where the driving operationstate is not the charge.

Third, since the AC rated capacity defined in the first protocol is notdefined in the second protocol, it may only correspond to the DC ratedcapacity. Therefore, the local control apparatus 330 calculates the ACrated capacity on the basis of the DC rated capacity.

In this manner, the local control apparatus 330 may calculate theinformation element represented by the AC power on the basis of theinformation element represented by the DC power. The local controlapparatus 330 may calculate one information element on the basis of twoor more information elements.

(Power Management Method)

Hereinafter, the power management method according to the embodimentwill be described. In the following, a case will be exemplified wherethe first protocol is a protocol conforming to Open ADR 2.0, and thesecond protocol is a protocol conforming to ECHONET Lite. Further, asequence relating to reporting the information on the equipment will bedescribed.

First, the case where the transmission of the second message and thereception of the second message response are performed after receivingthe first message will be described.

As illustrated in FIG. 12, in step S10, the local control apparatus 330transmits oadrRegisterReport to the power management server 200. TheoadrRegisterReport includes information indicating a list of reportingfunctions which the local control apparatus 330 deals with.

In step S11, the power management server 200 transmitsoadrRegisteredReport to the local control apparatus 330. TheoadrRegisteredReport is a response to the oadrRegisterReport.

In step S12, the power management server 200 transmits oadrCreateReportto the local control apparatus 330. The oadrCreateReport is an exampleof a first message requesting a report of the information on theequipment.

In step S13, the local control apparatus 330 selects an informationelement complied with the second protocol on the basis of theinformation element specified by oadrCreateReport. Such selection isperformed, for example, on the basis of the correspondence relationshipillustrated in FIG. 11.

In step S14, the local control apparatus 330 transmits the GET commandincluding the information element selected in step S13 to the equipment350. The GET command is an example of the second message.

In step S15, the local control apparatus 330 receives a GET commandresponse from the equipment 350. The GET command response is an exampleof the second message response.

In step S16, the local control apparatus 330 converts the informationelement included in the GET command response into the informationelement complied with the first protocol. Such conversion is performed,for example, on the basis of the correspondence relationship illustratedin FIG. 11.

In step S17, the local control apparatus 330 transmits oadrCreatedReportincluding the information element converted in step S16 to the powermanagement server 200. The oadrCreatedReport is an example of the firstmessage response.

In FIG. 12, the oadrCreateReport is exemplified as the first messagerequesting a report of the information on the equipment, but theembodiment is not limited thereto. The first message requesting a reportof the information on the equipment may be oadrRegisteredReport.

Second, the case where the transmission of the second message and thereception of the second message response are performed before receivingthe first message will be described.

As illustrated in FIG. 13, in step S20, the local control apparatus 330transmits the oadrRegisterReport to the power management server 200. TheoadrRegisterReport includes information indicating a list of reportingfunctions which the local control apparatus 330 deals with.

In step S21, the power management server 200 transmitsoadrRegisteredReport to the local control apparatus 330. TheoadrRegisteredReport is the response to oadrRegisterReport.

In step S22, the local control apparatus 330 transmits a GET command tothe equipment 350. The GET command is an example of the second message.

In step S23, the local control apparatus 330 receives a GET commandresponse from the equipment 350. The GET command response is an exampleof the second message response.

In step S24, the local control apparatus 330 manages the informationelements included in the GET command response. Such management isperformed as part of the power management of the facility 300.Accordingly, processing of steps S22 to S24 may be performedperiodically.

In step S25, the power management server 200 transmits theoadrCreateReport to the local control apparatus 330. TheoadrCreateReport is an example of a first message requesting a report ofthe information on the equipment.

In step S26, the local control apparatus 330 converts the informationelement managed in step S24 into an information element complied withthe first protocol. Such conversion is performed, for example, on thebasis of the correspondence relationship illustrated in FIG. 11.

In step S27, the local control apparatus 330 transmits theoadrCreatedReport including the information element converted in stepS26 to the power management server 200. The oadrCreatedReport is anexample of the first message response.

(Action and Effect)

In the embodiment, the local control apparatus 330 transmits a secondmessage corresponding to the control content for the equipment indicatedby the first message and including the information element of the secondprotocol corresponding to the information element of the first protocolto the equipment. According to such a configuration, even wheninstructing control on the equipment by a first message according to thefirst protocol across the first protocol and the second protocoldifferent from each other, it is possible to appropriately control theequipment. As a result, it is possible to appropriately manage the powerflow amount or the reverse power flow amount of the power grid 110.

[First Modification]

Hereinafter, a first modification of the embodiment will be described.Differences from the embodiments will be mainly described below.

In the first modification, the local control apparatus 330 includesspecification information specifying an information element(hereinafter, referred to as a local control element) which theequipment is capable of dealing with according to the second protocol,and transmits the third message according to the first protocol to thepower management server 200. The specification information includesinformation specifying whether or not the equipment deals with a localcontrol element indicating an operation state requesting setting for theequipment. That is, the specification information includes informationindicating whether or not the equipment deals with a local informationelement that may be included in the SET command.

The specification information may include a list of local informationelements which the equipment deals with among the local informationelements that may be included in the SET command. The specificationinformation may include information (for example, information foridentifying Appendix A to H of ECHONET Lite) that identifies a releaseof the second protocol which the equipment deals with. The specificationinformation may include information indicating whether or not theequipment deals with a local control element defined as an option in thesecond protocol. Further, the specification information may includeinformation that specifies whether or not the equipment deals with ameasurable amount (for example, temperature, humidity, and the like ofan air conditioner). As such, the specification information includeswhether or not the equipment deals with the measurable amount, wherebyit is possible to identify which release of the second protocol theequipment deals with.

(Power Management Method)

Hereinafter, the power management method according to a firstmodification will be described. In the following, a case will beexemplified where the first protocol is a protocol conforming to OpenADR 2.0, and the second protocol is a protocol conforming to ECHONETLite.

As illustrated in FIG. 14, in step S30, the local control apparatus 330transmits a GET property map command to the equipment 350. The GETproperty map command is a command for requesting a list of localinformation elements which the equipment 350 is capable of dealing with,among the local information element that can be included in the GETcommand.

In step S31, equipment 350 transmits a GET property map response commandto the local control apparatus 330. The GET property map responsecommand includes a list of local information elements which theequipment 350 is capable of dealing with among the local informationelements that can be included in the GET command.

In step S32, the local control apparatus 330 transmits a SET propertymap command to the equipment 350. The SET property map command is acommand for requesting a list of local information elements that theequipment 350 is capable of dealing with among local informationelements that can be included in the SET command.

In step S33, the equipment 350 transmits the SET property map responsecommand to the local control apparatus 330. The SET property mapresponse command includes a list of local information elements that theequipment 350 is capable of dealing with among the local informationelements that can be included in the SET command.

In FIG. 14, steps S30 and S32 are separate processes, but the GETproperty map command and the SET property map command may be included inone command. Similarly, although steps S31 and S33 are separateprocesses, the GET property map response command and the SET propertymap response command may be included in one command. The processing ofsteps S30 to S33 may be performed when the equipment 350 is connected tothe local control apparatus 330 for the first time or again or may beperformed when the equipment 350 recovers from a power failure.

In step S34, the local control apparatus 330 transmitsoadrRegisterReport to the power management server 200. As describedabove, the oadrRegisterReport includes information indicating a list ofreporting functions which the local control apparatus 330 deals with(that is, a list of local information elements that the equipment 350 iscapable of dealing with among local information elements that can beincluded in the GET command).

Here, the oadrRegisterReport includes specification informationindicating whether or not the equipment deals with the local informationelement that can be included in the SET command Therefore,oadrRegisterReport is an example of the third message. However, thefirst modification is not limited to thereto. The third message may be amessage defined separately from oadrRegisterReport.

The specification information may include a list of local informationelements the equipment deals with among the local information elementsthat can be included in the SET command. Such a list is obtained in stepS33. The specification information may include information identifying arelease of the second protocol which the equipment deals with. Theinformation for identifying the release is specified by the localcontrol apparatus 330, for example, on the basis of the list acquired instep S33. The specification information may include informationindicating whether or not the equipment deals with a local controlelement defined as an option in the second protocol. Such information isspecified by the local control apparatus 330 on the basis of, forexample, the list acquired in step S33.

In step S35, the power management server 200 transmitsoadrRegisteredReport to the local control apparatus 330. TheoadrRegisteredReport is a response to oadrRegisterReport.

(Action and Effect)

In the first modification, the local control apparatus 330 transmits athird message including specification information specifying a localcontrol element which the equipment is capable of dealing with accordingto the second protocol to the power management server 200. According tosuch a configuration, the power management server 200 can grasp thelocal control element that the equipment is capable of dealing withaccording to the second protocol used in the facility 300. Accordingly,the power management server 200 can transmit an appropriate firstmessage on the basis of such a local control element. As a result, it ispossible to appropriately manage the power flow amount or the reversepower flow amount of the power grid 110.

[Second Modification]

A second modification of the embodiment will be described below.Differences from the embodiments will be mainly described below.

In the second modification, a power management server 200 transmits afirst message in a manner capable of identifying a control for the localcontrol apparatus 330 and a control for a target equipment which is anequipment designated by the power management server 200.

Here, the manner capable of identifying may be realized by the firstmessage including a flag indicating whether the control is for the localcontrol apparatus 330 or for the target equipment. Whether the controlis for the local control apparatus 330 or the target equipment may bemapped to an information element specified by the first message. Forexample, if the information element specified by the first messagerelates to “HISTORY_USAGE,” it may mean that the first message relatesto control to the local control apparatus 330. If the informationelement specified by the first message is related to “TELEMETRY_USAGE,”it may mean that the first message relates to control on the targetequipment. If the information element specified by the first messagerelates to “SIMPLE” or “ELECTRICITY_PRICE,” it may mean that the firstmessage relates to control to the local control apparatus 330. If theinformation element specified by the first message relates to“CHARGE_STATE,” it may mean that the first message relates to controlfor the target equipment.

(1) A Case where the First Message is an Instruction to Request Settingof an Operation State of the Target Equipment

In such a case, the local control apparatus 330 selects one or morelocal information elements corresponding to the information elementscomplied with the first message from the local information elementswhich the target equipment is capable of dealing with according to thesecond protocol. The local control apparatus 330 transmits to the targetequipment a message including the selected local information element asan information element as a second message.

Here, as illustrated in FIG. 11, a correspondence relationship betweenthe local information element which the target equipment is capable ofdealing with and the information element complied with the first messagemay be managed by the local control apparatus 330. In FIG. 11, thecorrespondence relationship relating to the report of the information onthe equipment are exemplified, but a correspondence relationship relatedto operation state setting of the equipment can also be managed in thesame manner as in FIG. 11.

(2) A Case in which the First Message is an Instruction RequestingControl of the Power Flow or the Reverse Power Flow

In such a case, the local control apparatus 330 selects one or morelocal information elements that realize the control of the power flow orthe reverse power flow instructed by the first message from the localinformation elements which the target equipment is capable of dealingwith according to the second protocol. The local control apparatus 330transmits to the target equipment a message including the selected localinformation element as an information element as a second message.

Here, the local control apparatus 330 may determine a method ofrealizing the control of the power flow or the reverse power flowindicated by the first message according to the power situation of thefacility 300. In such a determination, the local control apparatus 330may consider user settings (energy saving settings).

(3) A Case where the First Message is an Instruction to RequestReporting of the Information on the Target Equipment

In such a case, the local control apparatus 330 may determine whether ornot to inquire the target equipment about the information on the targetequipment. For example, as described above, the local control apparatus330 may determine whether to inquire the target equipment forinformation on the target equipment on the basis of a flag indicatingwhether the control is for the local control apparatus 330 or for thetarget equipment. Alternatively, the local control apparatus 330 maydetermine whether to inquire the target equipment for information on thetarget equipment according to the type of information of the targetequipment. In such a case, if the information element specified by thefirst message is related to “TELEMETRY_USAGE”, the local controlapparatus 330 may determine to inquire the target equipment about theinformation on the target equipment according to the type of informationon the target equipment. On the other hand, if the information elementspecified by the first message relates to “HISTORY_USAGE”, the localcontrol apparatus 330 may determine not to inquire the target equipmentabout the information on the target equipment.

When it is determined to inquire the target equipment about theinformation on the target equipment, the local control apparatus 330selects one or more local information elements corresponding to theinformation element complied with the first message from the localinformation elements which the target equipment is capable of dealingwith according to the second protocol. The local control apparatus 330transmits the second message including the selected local informationelement to the target equipment. The local control apparatus 330transmits to the power management server 200 a first message responseincluding the information element based on the information of the targetequipment acquired from the target equipment by the transmission of thesecond message. Such processing is similar to the processing of stepsS13 to S15 illustrated in FIG. 12.

When it is determined not to inquire the target equipment about theinformation on the target equipment, the local control apparatus 330transmits a first message response including an information elementbased on the information on the target equipment managed by the localcontrol apparatus 330 to the power management server 200. Suchprocessing is the same as the processing from step S26 to step S27illustrated in FIG. 13.

(Power Management Method)

Hereinafter, a power management method according to the secondmodification will be described. In the following, a case will beexemplified where the first protocol is a protocol conforming to OpenADR 2.0 and the second protocol is a protocol conforming to ECHONETLite. Further, a sequence relating to reporting information on theequipment will be described.

As illustrated in FIG. 15, in step S40, the local control apparatus 330transmits a GET command to the equipment 350. The GET command is anexample of the second message.

In step S41, the local control apparatus 330 receives a GET commandresponse from the equipment 350. The GET command response is an exampleof the second message response.

In step S42, the local control apparatus 330 manages the informationelements included in the GET command response. Such management isperformed as part of the power management of the facility 300.Therefore, the processing of steps S40 to S41 may be performedperiodically.

In step S43, the power management server 200 transmits oadrCreateReportto the local control apparatus 330. The oadrCreateReport is an exampleof a first message requesting a report of the information on theequipment.

In step S44, the local control apparatus 330 determines whether toinquire the target equipment for information on the target equipment. Ifit is determined to inquire the target equipment about the informationon the target equipment, the processing in steps S45 and S46 isperformed. When it is determined not to inquire the target equipmentabout the information on target equipment, the processes of step S45 andstep S46 are not performed and the process of step S47 is performed.

In step S45, the local control apparatus 330 selects an informationelement complied with the second protocol on the basis of theinformation element specified by oadrCreateReport, and transmits a GETcommand including the selected information element to the equipment 350.The GET command is an example of the second message.

In step S46, the local control apparatus 330 receives a GET commandresponse from the equipment 350. The GET command response is an exampleof the second message response.

In step S47, the local control apparatus 330 converts the informationelement included in the GET command response into the informationelement complied with the first protocol. Such conversion is performed,for example, on the basis of the correspondence relationship illustratedin FIG. 11.

Here, when it is determined to inquire the target equipment about theinformation on the target equipment, the information element included inthe GET response command received in step S46 is used. When it isdetermined not to inquire the target equipment about the information onthe target equipment, the information element managed by the localcontrol apparatus 330 (the information element included in the GETresponse command received in step S41) is used.

In step S48, the local control apparatus 330 transmits theoadrCreatedReport including the information element converted in stepS47 to the power management server 200. The oadrCreatedReport is anexample of the first message response.

(Action and Effect)

In the second modification, the power management server 200 transmitsthe first message in a manner capable of identifying the control for thelocal control apparatus 330 and the control for the target equipment.According to such a configuration, the control on the local controlapparatus 330 and the control on the target equipment are usedappropriately, whereby it is possible to appropriately manage the powerflow amount or the reverse power flow amount of the power grid 110.

[Third Modification]

A third modification of the embodiment will be described below. In thefollowing, differences from the embodiments will be mainly described.

In the third modification, the power management server 200 determines toinstruct which one of the control for the local control apparatus 330and the control for the target equipment. Specifically, on the basis ofat least one of an execution time length during which the control ofpower flow or the reverse power flow is performed or a waiting timelength until a timing at which the control of the power flow or thereverse power flow is performed, the power management server 200determines to instruct which one of the control for the local controlapparatus 330 and the control for the target equipment. The executiontime length may be specified by the information element (xcal: duration)included in the first message. The waiting time length may be specifiedby the information element (xcal: dstart) included in the first message.

For example, the power management server 200 may determine to instructthe control for the local control apparatus 330 when the execution timelength is longer than a predetermined time. Since the execution timelength is long, quality of life (QOL) of the facility 300 may beprioritized over an effectiveness of the power supply and demandadjustment by the first message. On the other hand, when the executiontime length is shorter than the predetermined time, the power managementserver 200 may determine to instruct the control for the targetequipment. Since the execution time length is short, the effectivenessof the power supply and demand adjustment by the first message may beprioritized over the QOL of the facility 300. However, the thirdmodification is not limited thereto, and a determination different fromthe aforementioned determination may be made.

When the waiting time length is longer than the predetermined time, thepower management server 200 may determine to instruct the control forthe local control apparatus 330. This is to secure a time for the localcontrol apparatus 330 to plan the power supply and demand adjustmentbecause the waiting time length is long. On the other hand, the powermanagement server 200 may determine to instruct the control for thetarget equipment in the case where the waiting time length is shorterthan a predetermined time. This is to ensure immediacy of power supplyand demand adjustment by the first message because the waiting timelength is short. However, the third modification is not limited thereto,and a determination different from the aforementioned determination maybe made.

(Power Management Method)

Hereinafter, a power management method according to the secondmodification will be described. In the following, a case will beexemplified where the first protocol is a protocol conforming to OpenADR 2.0, and the second protocol is a protocol conforming to ECHONETLite. Further, a sequence relating to the control of the power flow orthe reverse power flow will be described.

As illustrated in FIG. 16, in step S50, the power management server 200determines to instruct which one of the control for the local controlapparatus 330 and the control for the target equipment. Such adetermination may be made on the basis of at least one of the executiontime length and the waiting time length.

In step S51, the power management server 200 transmits the oadrDistributeEvent to the local control apparatus 330 on the basis of thedetermination in step S50. The oadrDistributeEvent is an example of afirst message requesting control of the power flow or the reverse powerflow. The oadrDistributeEvent is transmitted in a manner capable ofidentifying the control for the local control apparatus 330 and thecontrol for the target equipment, as in the second modification.

In step S52, the local control apparatus 330 selects one or more localinformation elements that realize the control of the power flow or thereverse power flow instructed by the oadrDistributeEvent among the localinformation elements which the target equipment is capable of dealingwith according to the second protocol.

Here, in the case where the oadrDistributeEvent is a message instructingthe control for the local control apparatus 330, the local controlapparatus 330 realizes the control of the power flow or the reversepower flow by transmitting the SET command for an arbitrary equipment onthe basis of a power situation of the facility 300. On the other hand,in the case where the oadrDistributeEvent is a message instructing thecontrol for the target equipment, the local control apparatus 330realizes the control of the power flow or the reverse power flow bytransmitting the SET command for the target equipment.

In step S53, the local control apparatus 330 transmits the SET commandincluding the local information element selected in step S52 to theequipment 350. The SET command is an example of the second message.

In step S54, the local control apparatus 330 transmits a SET responsecommand for the SET command to the equipment 350. The SET responsecommand is an example of the second message response.

In step S55, the local control apparatus 330 transmits oadrCreatedEventto the power management server 200. The oadrCreatedEvent is a responseto the oadrDistributeEvent. The oadrCreatedEvent may be transmittedbefore step S52.

(Action and Effect)

In the third modification, the power management server 200 determines toinstruct which one of the control for the local control apparatus 330 orthe control for the target equipment on the basis of at least one of theexecution time length and the waiting time length. According to such aconfiguration, it is possible to appropriately use the control for thelocal control apparatus 330 and the control for the target equipment.

Other Embodiments

Although the present invention has been described with reference to theaforementioned embodiments, it should not be understood that thedescription and drawings constituting a part of this disclosure limitthe present invention. From this disclosure, various alternativeembodiments, examples and operational techniques will be apparent tothose skilled in the art.

In the embodiment, the case where the first protocol is a protocolconforming to Open ADR 2.0, and the second protocol is a protocolconforming to ECHONET Lite has been exemplified. However, the embodimentis not limited thereto. The first protocol may be a protocolstandardized as a protocol used for communication between the powermanagement server 200 and the local control apparatus 330. The secondprotocol may be a protocol standardized as a protocol used in thefacility 300.

In the embodiment, the case where the information element managed by thelocal control apparatus 330 is an information element included in theGET response command has been exemplified. However, the embodiment isnot limited thereto. The information element managed by the localcontrol apparatus 330 may be an information element included in the INFcommand.

The entire contents of Japanese Patent Application No. 2016-212996(filed on Oct. 31, 2016) is incorporated herein by reference.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

-   100: power management system, 110: power grid, 120: network, 200:    power management server, 210: management unit, 220: communication    unit, 230: controller, 300: facility, 310: load, 320: distributed    power supply, 330: local control apparatus, 331: first communication    unit, 332: second communication unit, 333: controller, 350:    equipment

1. A power management method comprising: a step A of transmitting afirst message from a power management server to a local controlapparatus according to a first protocol, the power management servermanaging a facility connected to a power grid, the local controlapparatus provided in the facility; a step B of transmitting a secondmessage from the local control apparatus to the equipment according to asecond protocol different from the first protocol; and a step C oftransmitting a third message from the local control apparatus to thepower management server according to the first protocol, the thirdmessage including specification information specifying a local controlelement which the equipment is capable of dealing with according to thesecond protocol, wherein the specification information includesinformation specifying whether or not the equipment deals with a localcontrol element indicating an operation state requesting setting for theequipment.
 2. The power management method according to claim 1,comprising: a step D of receiving by the local control apparatus fromthe equipment, a command including a list of local control elementswhich the equipment is capable of dealing with according to the secondprotocol, wherein the specification information includes the list oflocal control elements which the equipment is capable of dealing withaccording to the second protocol.
 3. The power management methodaccording to claim 1, comprising: a step D of receiving by the localcontrol apparatus from the equipment, a command including a list oflocal control elements which the equipment is capable of dealing withaccording to the second protocol, wherein the specification informationincludes information identifying a release of the second protocol whichthe equipment deals with.
 4. The power management method according toclaim 1, comprising: a step D of receiving by the local controlapparatus from the equipment, a command including a list of localcontrol elements which the equipment is capable of dealing withaccording to the second protocol, wherein the specification informationincludes information indicating whether or not the equipment deals witha local control element defined as an option in the second protocol. 5.A local control apparatus comprising: a receiver configured to receive afirst message from a power management server according to a firstprotocol, the power management server managing a facility connected to apower grid; and a transmitter configured to transmit a second message toan equipment according to a second protocol different from the firstprotocol, the equipment provided in the facility, wherein thetransmitter is configured to transmit a third message to the powermanagement server according to the first protocol, the third messageincluding specification information specifying a local control elementwhich the equipment is capable of dealing with according to the secondprotocol, and the specification information includes informationspecifying whether or not the equipment deals with a local controlelement indicating an operation state requesting setting for theequipment.
 6. A power management system comprising: a power managementserver configured to manage a facility connected to a power grid; and alocal control apparatus provided in the facility, wherein the powermanagement server includes a first transmitter configured to transmit afirst message to the local control apparatus according to a firstprotocol, the local control apparatus includes a second transmitterconfigured to transmit a second message to an equipment provided in thefacility according to a second protocol different from the firstprotocol, the second transmitted is configured to transmit a thirdmessage to the power management server according to the first protocol,the third message including specification information specifying a localcontrol element which the equipment is capable of dealing with accordingto the second protocol, and the specification information includesinformation specifying whether or not the equipment deals with a localcontrol element indicating an operation state requesting setting for theequipment.